LeBron James to Sit Out Lakers’ Game Against Indiana
Lakers Announce Decision Hours Before Tip-Off
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James will sit out the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against Indiana on Saturday to rest his sore left ankle.
James Out with Ankle Soreness
The decision was made just four hours before the game. James, who has been outstanding in recent weeks for the Lakers (30-19), who have won four straight and 10 of 12 despite trading center Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic last weekend. Although dealing with regular ankle pain, James hadn’t missed a game since Dec. 28 against Sacramento, and he has missed only four games this season.
Doncic Also Missing the Game
Doncic, who strained his left calf on Christmas, is also sitting out the game while he finishes his recovery. The Slovenian superstar has participated in practice with his new team this week and is expected to make his Lakers debut Monday against Utah.
Coach JJ Redick Comments on Absences
“LeBron, just a little bit of increased soreness on that foot after the other night,” coach JJ Redick said before the game. “Luka is progressing well, but we’ll make that decision in real time on Monday.”
James’ Recent Performance
James is averaging 29.0 points, 9.9 assists, and 8.4 rebounds over the past seven games. He became the oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points when he dropped 42 in a win over Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Indiana Coach Rick Carlisle’s Thoughts on Lakers’ Roster
“I don’t see any world in which it doesn’t work great,” Carlisle said. “(Doncic) goes into a game and just decides how the game is going to be played. LeBron James does the same exact thing. These two guys are surgeons, the way they dissect games, and they’re really both impossible to game-plan for. You have to decide how you’re willing to lose. That’s what it comes down to. This is the Lakers. This is a larger-than-life legacy franchise, so this is an amazing opportunity for Luka.”
Conclusion
The Lakers hope to have James, Doncic, and Mark Williams, the center acquired from Charlotte, in the lineup Monday. Despite the absences, the Lakers are looking strong, with James and Doncic set to make their debuts together in the coming games.
FAQs
Q: Why is LeBron James sitting out the game?
A: James is sitting out due to increased soreness on his left ankle.
Q: Is Luka Doncic also missing the game?
A: Yes, Doncic is sitting out the game to finish his recovery from a strained left calf.
Q: Will James and Doncic make their debuts together on Monday?
A: Yes, they are expected to make their Lakers debuts together on Monday against Utah.
